Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The Nile is 18 months old and I`m told its 20-24 inch long and has been seriously neglected!
It is being offered as free to good home so I understand that it will need vetinary attention straight away!
I know that these animals are not exactly the BEST of pets and rarely tame down or are famed for thier aggression whatever way you want to put it!
Are they really that bad? I know that temperement varies from animal to animal but is there any realistic chance of it taming?

Other than the temporary quarantine viv i have what would be a guide ideal viv size for it?

Any other pointers will be greatly appreciated

Phil
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1 Varanus Exanthematicus, 1 Morelia Spilota Cheynei

yes, they are really that bad, especially as a first monitor.

check out the FAQ from our site below, pay particular attention to Daniel Bennett's comments. : )
Why don't we sell Niles?

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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I already have a Bosc Monitor at the moment which is putting me through my paces

So its not my first monitor and i had already read the link you posted, I have experience with iguana`s and although they are different animals the one I had was nothing short of malicious!!! LOL

I feel that I could Give the animal a loving home and cater for all its needs, I just want to make sure that I am not disillusioned in anyway first!

If anyone else wants to throw their 0.02 in please do!

I dont want that animal to become another statistic against the trade!

Phil
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1 Varanus Exanthematicus, 1 Morelia Spilota Cheynei

Wells I had a few herps. A few yrs ago I had a savannah monitor that was mean and eventuall calmed down. Now I saw niles for like $40 and really like the looks and got one without researching, after getting it I started to read post about them on kinsnake and magazines and realize that my sav. would be nothing compared to this nile one day becoming the monster they will be and after seeing pics of how big they can get along with attitude man I got rid of it. So I say having a few iquanas here and other herps there does not prepare one for the likes of a nile and I really beleive they should not be sold in pet stores like they are.

Check out this site http://www.pizards.com/hbd/nile.html
I personally wouldn't, but then I'm not you.

Best of luck.

If you like liquid mouse all over u and big red welts from the tail whipping and dont forget the vice grip bite...leave that species for the advanced herpers w outside enclosures and thick leather gloves LOL

how are you as long as you have a cage about 8 foot by 4 foot to start out with and eventually give it a whole room or an outside spot in your yard then go for it but heed these guys comments they are not kidding when they say niles are meen and a real attitude monster

I'd think twice about it. There's not much I can say beyond what's already been said in the replies to this post, but as a nile owner I can say that the comments and links posted are accurate.

My nile eats as much as I'm willing to feed him, struggles mightily on the rare occasions when I need to handle him (and I'd point out that the "vice grip jaws"/"razor sharp claws" comments are completely merited), and generally tries to ignore me as much as possible.

He's a fascinating animal but I wouldn't consider him a "pet". It's certainly a rewarding reptile to own and I love my nile, but I wouldn't recommend one to anyone else.

Best of luck in whatever decision you make.